Top 5 Thai Restaurants In The Sacramento Area
If I had to claim just one hobby, I guess I’d say it’s Thai food… can Thai food be a hobby? I mean Thai cooking can be, but can the food itself be one? I like to think so. Before I get into my top 5 Thai eats I want to tell you a bit about me, my… er… Thai food credentials, you could say.
I grew up in LA with a deep love of food. My mom is an AMAZING cook and once considered going into it professionally, having taken classes and selling her food on the side. My step-mom is also an AMAZING cook. She is Thai and moved to California when I was 9. That was when I first became familiar with Thai food. It wasn’t long until I craved those Wednesday night dinners at my dad’s house so I could eat Goy’s homemade Thai food again.
When I was 18, I decided to travel to Thailand and spent 3 months in Chiang Mai, my family’s second home. I began to expand my palette for Thai food and really fell in love with the city, people, cuisine, and lifestyle. Again at age 20, I traveled to Thailand and what was meant to be a 3-month vacation, became a 1 ½-year stay.
I learned a lot in that time, taking Thai cooking classes and eating my way through the city. It’s probably the thing I miss most about my time there and I try to recreate not just the food, but also the experience at home. I plan to share some of the recipes I’ve worked on over the years, but for now I’d like to tell you about my favorite Thai eateries in the Sacramento area.
#1 Chic on Q
You may recognize this spot as Benny’s or Q Street Bar and Grill. I actually still call it Benny’s, but whatever you call it, Chic on Q is absolutely delicious. I go here once or twice a week. It’s gotten to the point where when we walk in, the owner asks us if we want our usual. This place is definitely a dive bar and kind of a hidden gem for their Thai food. They have an American food menu but skip it and go straight for the Thai food. The chef doesn’t take tips so you’re likely to pay only 10 bucks a person. Grab a cheap drink while you wait and enjoy an old film or a chat with the owner.
Pick: Lap/Larb/Lab, Pad See Ew, Pad Ga Prao, Tom Yum Fried Rice, Fried Pork (it’s a special they have occasionally)
Skip: Pad Ki Mao
#2 Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
My old favorite. I used to come here a lot because I love all the Northern dishes they have to offer. If you haven’t tried Khao Soi, this is the place to do so. Khao Soi is a creamy orange curry with chicken, egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, and red onion. This restaurant doesn’t have much going for it in the way of ambience, but it’s great for pick-up.
Pick: Khao Soi Gai, Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup
Skip: Boat Noodles, Spring Rolls
#3 Thai Farm House BBQ and Bistro
This is a newer spot with a tiny parking lot. Best for takeout as the restaurant is fairly small. Definitely recommend the chicken wings, we get at least two orders. Red curry is good and if you haven’t had a chance to try Khao Soi they offer it here.
Pick: Chicken Wings, Red Curry
Skip: Pad See Ew
#4 Thai Canteen DAVIS
I’m including one restaurant for Davis and that is Thai Canteen. Yes, there is a Thai Canteen in Sacramento, but I do not think they are created equal. Some people say this isn’t authentic Thai food. I would disagree. It reminds me a lot of the everyday food I ate when I lived in Thailand. I love this place because it’s comfortable, easy to order, the staff is great, good for groups, and just chill. If you’re looking for a place where it’s comfortable to dine alone, this is it. Our favorites are the Pad Ga Pao and Kao Ka Moo (Braised Pork Leg, it’s a special). Don’t forget to find a condiment caddy and tweak to your taste.
Pick: Pad Ga Prao, Kao Ka Moo, Panang, Pad See Ew, Thai Tea
Skip: Tom Yum Soup, Kana Moo Grob
#5 Thai Garden AUBURN
I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve had here. It’s a cute little place. They’re a bit understaffed, but the food is solid. A great choice for lunch or dinner if you’re in the Auburn area.
Pick: Tom Kha Gai, Crying Tiger, Basil Fried Rice
Skip: Pumpkin Curry gets mixed reviews.
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P.S. THAI – The House Of Authentic Ingredients is a new restaurant in East Sac I haven’t been to yet. I hope to try it tonight.
There are so many Thai restaurants in Sacramento I have yet to try them all. Trust me, it’s on my bucket list. Is there one worthy of the list?
Let us know below!
With my love of all things design and food, it was only natural for me to start a blog. I want to share with others my adventures as I travel, eat, read, photograph, and discover my way through Sacramento. As a Realtor, it’s important to me to know what’s happening in my community. And why not share that with you?